Office Overview

Meet the Commonwealth's Attorney

On January 3, 2006, Michael N. Herring was sworn in as the Commonwealth's Attorney for the City of Richmond.

A Richmond native, Mr. Herring brings a wealth of experience to the office. Prior to his election as Commonwealth's Attorney, he was a partner at the law firm of Bricker & Herring where he practiced criminal law and medical practice law.  In 2002, he joined the faculty at the University of Richmond School of Law as an adjunct professor.  Mr. Herring served as the first African-American President of the Richmond Bar Association in 2005 and was Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Criminal Law Section of the Virginia State Bar in 2004 and 2005.

After receiving his undergraduate degree in economics in 1987 and his law degree in 1990, both from the University of Virginia, Mr. Herring returned to practice law in Richmond.  He started his career as an associate at Hunton & Williams before joining the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney in 1992.  Mr. Herring earned a reputation as an aggressive but fair prosecutor both as the head of the Narcotics Interdiction Team and as a senior felony trial attorney for Violent Crimes and Narcotics Offenses.  Thereafter, he returned to the private sector in 1996 at the law firm of LeClair Ryan where his practice focused on medical practice defense and criminal defense.  As a young prosecutor, he mentored students with Richmond Public Schools programs, including Lunch Buddies and Richmond Against Drugs.  He continues to reach students through the Lunch Buddies program and is a frequent speaker at Richmond's public schools.  Mr. Herring lives with his lovely wife, Aster Kidane, and their three children.